Black Screen OBS Game Capture Fixes for Gamers & Streamers

OBS Studio is a free and open‑source program that lets you capture your screen, webcam, or gameplay. You can also stream on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Live. However, sometimes, when you attempt to record a game, you encounter a black screen and OBS crashes. That can ruin your gaming session. In this write-up, we will explain what causes the OBS game capture black screen and provide you with real fixes that work.

Part 1. OBS Game Capture Black Screen: Main Reasons

There are instances when you try to record a game using OBS, and the screen stays black. It is a common problem. This OBS game capture black screen issue happens for a different main reason. Let us look at each one in a way that is easy to understand!

1. OBS Cannot See Your Screen

OBS needs special permission to record your screen. If it does not have that, it will not work. Therefore, your game will not be displayed.

2. OBS Is Too Old

If OBS has not been updated in a long time, it may not function properly. An outdated version can cause issues, such as a black screen.

3. Other Apps Are Messing With OBS

If you have another program open that performs the same function as OBS, such as recording or streaming, they may conflict. OBS might lose that fight and go black, and you might experience a black screen on OBS game capture.

4. Some Games Do Not Work Well

A few games do not work right with OBS. These include:

These games can block OBS from recording them.

Part 2. How to Fix OBS Game Capture Black Screen Issues

Now, let us fix it! There are numerous ways to fix the black screen issue. Try these one by one!

1. Pick Game Capture with a Specific Window

One of the fixes for the black screen OBS game capture issue is selecting a game capture with a specific window. If OBS shows a black screen, it might be because it is trying to record the wrong thing. OBS sometimes does not work well when set to full-screen capture.

To fix it, open OBS. Then, go to the source where it says Game Capture. Next, find the Mode box. From the drop-down, pick Capture specific window. It helps OBS know exactly which game you want it to record.

2. Run as an Administrator

OBS might not be recording your game because it lacks the necessary power. You can fix this by running it as an administrator.

Right-click on the OBS shortcut or .exe file. From the menu, click Run as administrator. If this resolves the black screen issue, you can make the change permanent.

3. Switch GPU

Some computers have two graphics cards. One is strong (high-performance). The other is weaker (integrated). Your game might be utilizing a powerful GPU. But OBS might be using the weaker one. That is why you get a black screen.

To fix this, go to Settings > Display > Graphics. If you are using Windows 11, look under Advanced Graphics. Find OBS Studio in the list. Click Options. Then, choose High performance. Click Save. OBS will now use the same GPU as your game.

4. Turn on Compatibility Mode

Sometimes, OBS has trouble working with your Windows version. To help it run better, use compatibility mode.

Right-click on OBS. Click Properties. Then, go to the Compatibility tab. Check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode for. Pick the version of Windows your computer is using.

If you have Windows 7, choose Windows 7 in the drop-down menu. Click Apply, then OK. Try OBS again and see if it works!

5. Turn Off Conflicting Software

Other applications can get in the way of OBS. If another program is also trying to record or stream, it may prevent OBS from functioning properly. It is one of the common ways to fix the OBS game capture black screen on Windows 10.

To stop these apps, open the Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Look at the list of programs running. If you see something that captures video (like another screen recorder), right-click on it. Then, select End Task. It should stop the problem.

6. Capture a Game at the Right Size

Sometimes, OBS is set to capture a weird size. It makes the screen look black. You can fix it by resetting the size.

In OBS, right-click on your Game Capture source. Then, go to Transform. Click on Reset Transform. After that, click Fit to Screen. It should display your game correctly.

For clearer recordings, take note of the recommended OBS settings for optimal recording and high-quality output. That way, your video looks better, and things like this will not happen as often.

7. Turn Off Game Mode

Windows has something called Game Mode. It helps games run smoother. However, it sometimes creates problems for OBS. This method is particularly suitable for those experiencing an OBS game capture black screen on Windows 11.

Go to Settings, click Gaming, and select Game Mode. On the right, find the switch that says Game Mode. Please turn it off. Now, open OBS and check if the black screen has disappeared.

8. Change Graphics Preference Settings

If OBS is still not working, it may not be using the correct graphics settings. You can fix that.

Go to Start > Settings > Display > Graphics. Then, click on OBS Studio. Click Options. Pick High performance. Then, hit Save. OBS should now work better with your game.

9. Turn Off the Game Capture

Sometimes, Game Mode is not the only problem. Game Capture itself can cause issues. If you think this is the cause, try using another source in OBS. Instead of Game Capture, try Window Capture or Display Capture.

You can change this inside OBS. Right-click the current Game Capture source. Choose Remove. Then, add a new source using a different method.

10. Restart OBS

Sometimes, things need a restart to resolve the issue where the game capture shows a black screen on OBS. If your game does not show up, try closing OBS. Then, open it again. You can also close the game and restart your computer. It helps clarify things and can resolve issues that are difficult to identify.

11. Look for OBS Updates

Maybe you just need to update OBS. Older versions have bugs. To check, open OBS. Click Help at the top. Then, click Check for Updates. If an update is available, install it.

Part 3. Resort to the Best Game Recorder on Windows and Mac

If the black screen still appears when using OBS, even after trying all the fixes, it is time to stop wasting your time. You need something better. You need something that works. Now is the time to resort to the best game recorder for Mac and Windows, and that is Tipard Screen Capture.

You can quickly customize the screen size to match your desired capture. It records from any window, lets you capture audio, and can also record the full screen. It provides easy settings to record your game, helping you record smoothly without lag, even for extended periods. Additionally, it supports HEVC and AV1, which enables high-quality videos with smaller file sizes.

When you are done recording, you can edit your video or audio right away. Everything is neat and easy to find. When you are ready, you can share your videos directly on social media. Tipard Screen Capture makes the whole recording process simple and smooth.